Scottish business owners, Duncan and Vicky McConchie from Dumfries & Galloway have today (Tuesday 3 May) announced ambitious plans which will enable them to attract a share of the UK wedding and corporate business markets.
*Business tourism is an important market for Scotland and in 2012 was worth £782m to the Scottish economy accounting for 18% of the total tourism expenditure to Scotland. Spend per night by business visitors is 1.5 times higher than that of leisure visitors.
The couple have submitted planning permission and if given the go ahead, their substantial investment will add to their product portfolio, creating a unique venue that will cater from 10 – 350 people, generate 31 new jobs and inject £2 million into the local economy.
‘GG’s Yard’ will open in late 2017 and breathe new life into a large farm steading located at Laggan, near Gatehouse of Fleet. The project will maximise upon the potential of a 200 year old building, currently derelict, which sits on a hillside boasting some of the most enviable seaviews in Scotland.
The country venue will span 1100 square metres with smaller reception rooms accessed from a main hall and will be suitable for corporate functions and business incentive ‘away days’. It will also offer a unique wedding venue which can be personally tailored to suit, with the beach also being a short distance away and expected to be a huge draw. The original court yard will be covered by an attractive new extension and pitched, glass roof which will unite the original outbuildings to create one complete structure. Rustic interiors will combine original features, old stone walls and wooden beams, with huge glass windows, bifold doors and modern cladding. The collective elements of old and new will complement each other and create a contemporary classic feel, capitalising on the historic charms of the property as well as offering exquisite, modern comfort. The venue will offer business delegates
The McConchies run a successful outdoor activity operation – Laggan Outdoor Activity Centre – and have made several significant investments over the past few years including the introduction of Europe’s longest zip wire in 2012 and the UK’s first Human Slingshot in 2015. Their latest adventure is focused on attracting a considerable amount of new business to the area as well as capitalising on the quality of activities they provide at the outdoor activity centre which attracts 15,000 visitors per year.
As part of the new business development ten, luxury woodland cabins will open this September suitable for guests staying as part of a business package or for individuals wishing to enjoy the outdoor activities. The two berth accommodations will be individually designed and include kingsize beds, wifi and panoramic, coastal vistas.
The McConchie family have farmed the land at Laggan for 106 years and currently four generations live on site welcoming visitors and guests with a unique family-run feel to their business. Authenticity, adventure, warmth and personality are very much part of their brand which they believe will appeal strongly to larger group bookings as well as smaller, more intimate parties.
Vicky McConchie, Business Owner of GG’s Yard, said;
“The new product portfolio being developed means we can add extensively to the best of outdoor activities available in Scotland, with an absolutely incredible new venue which offers great capacity to rival city business by seriously targeting the UK and Scottish corporate and wedding markets. The venue will combine historic charm with modern comfort, as well as luxury accommodation, all located in the most stunning, rural setting with panoramic views overlooking Mossyard Bay.
“We’re delighted to announce this news and begin to target new areas of business from all over the UK. Previously we’ve had to turn business away due to capacity reasons and this is a similar case throughout rural Scotland but this new investment means we’ll now be able to provide corporate and wedding markets a business package to suit. We’ve already been in touch with some suppliers and we’re really looking forward to working closely with other local and national businesses, who can only benefit, and make this a success for everyone!”
